From Insight to Implementation

The 2026 National Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Consultation Report marks a decisive strategic shift in Australia's health policy landscape—moving from awareness-raising and problem identification to systemic, measurable implementation.

Building upon the foundation laid by the 2025 National Priority Setting Roundtables, this report directly addresses sector-wide "consultation fatigue" by establishing clear policy execution pathways, funding frameworks, and structural reforms required for the 2026–2031 national health agenda."Awareness alone does not change systems. Coordination does. Accountability does. Action does. We are no longer gathering insight for insight's sake—we are building the architecture for reform."
— Jess Taylor, Chair, Australian Coalition for Endometriosis

The Strategic Reform Pillars

The consultation outcome establishes three core mandates to guide federal, state, and territory healthcare policies:

1. Pain-Medicine-Anchored Interdisciplinary Care

Care pathways must evolve beyond gynaecological silos into integrated, interdisciplinary models. While surgical options remain relevant, clinical management must prioritize non-surgical diagnostic imaging and a biopsychosocial framework that embeds pelvic floor physiotherapy, specialized psychology, and nutritional support directly into primary and secondary care.

2. Mandatory Workforce and Curriculum Reform

Addressing persistent diagnostic delays requires moving past voluntary clinical training. The report calls for mandatory endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain modules across all undergraduate medical, nursing, and allied health curriculums, paired with expanded post-graduate training and pain neuroscience education.

3. Economic and Geographic Equity

High out-of-pocket costs and regional care disparities continue to severely impact outcomes. Structural Medicare reform—including dedicated, increased rebates for complex, long consultations, interdisciplinary case conferences, and allied health support—is essential to dismantle the "geographic lottery" facing regional and remote Australians.

Conclusion

The findings of the 2026 Consultation demonstrate that while foundational policy frameworks exist, Australia's care model for endometriosis and pelvic pain requires urgent structural reform. Transitioning from fragmented, surgery-first approaches toward an integrated, interdisciplinary, and financially accessible health framework will reduce diagnostic delays, prevent unnecessary medical interventions, and ensure equitable care for all affected Australians.

Download Full Report & Resources

2026 National Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Consultation Report.